Literally, Even Insurance Companies Think Ted Cruz’s Amendment Is Too Much
It looks like even insurance companies think that Ted Cruz’s amendment to the GOP health bill is a bad idea.
In short, Cruz wants to let insurers sell policies that don’t cover the “essential benefits” that are required under Obamacare. The result of the Cruz amendment would be that insurance companies would sell policies with lower monthly premiums that don’t cover much of anything. Kind of like how you can get a $10 a month cell phone plan that only lets you send 20 texts a month.
The two largest health insurances trade organizations issued a strong statement against the latest version of the Republican bill.
The groups, America’s Health Insurance Plans and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, warned that the Cruz amendment would mean “premiums will skyrocket for people with preexisting conditions” and “millions of more individuals will become uninsured.”
“This would allow the new plans to ‘cherry pick’ only healthy people from the existing market making coverage unaffordable for the millions of people who need or want comprehensive coverage, including, for example, coverage for prescription drugs and mental health services,” the letter states.
The letter goes on to say, “As healthy people move to the less-regulated plans, those with significant medical needs will have no choice but to stay in the comprehensive plans, and premiums will skyrocket for people with preexisting conditions.”
“Finally, this provision will lead to far fewer, if any, coverage options for consumers who purchase their plan in the individual market,” the letter adds. “As a result, millions of more individuals will become uninsured.”
Two GOP Senators have come out against the newest version of the Obamacare repeal bill and six others are still undecided. If Republicans lose one more vote the bill won’t pass.
[image via Twiter screenshot]
